Game program supply system and program rewrite system

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a game program rewrite system for supplying data of a game program of a plurality of terminal stations from a host station and writing the data in portable information storage media applied to game execution units in the terminal stations in response to requests, and a program rewrite system suitable for this game program supply system, and aims at enabling construction of a game-on-demand system including a number of terminal stations with no excess of requirement to equipment of a network or the data throughput of the host station.  
     In order to attain the above object, a host station ( 1 ) supplies data of a game program to a terminal station ( 2 ) online through a communication network. The data of the game program is supplied to the terminal station ( 2 ) offline too. The data of the game program preserved in the terminal station ( 2 ) is written in a game execution storage medium ( 20 ) in response to a request of a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a game program supply systemsupplying data of game programs of a plurality of terminal stations froma host station for writing the data in portable information storagemedia applied to game execution units in response to requests in theterminal stations, and a program rewrite system suitable for this gameprogram supply system.

BACKGROUND TECHNIQUE

[0002] In case of supplying data (the so-called game software) of gameprograms for executing games in game machines or personal computers in agame-on-demand manner, it is conceivable to construct a systemconnecting a host station and a plurality of terminal stations with eachother through a network of public lines or dedicated lines so that theterminal station sides present requests for data to the host station andthe host station provides the data to the terminal stations making therequests each time fully in response to the requests.

[0003] In case of considering such case that a number of terminalstations simultaneously present requests to the host station in such asystem, however, there arises such a problem that the terminal stationsides cannot download the data from the host station side due torestriction of the line number, unless the line number of the publiclines or dedicated lines is prepared in a number having a possibility ofsimultaneously presenting requests for data to the host station.

[0004] Further, there is also such a problem that, even if a line numbercapable of responding to requests of a number of terminal stations isensured, the host station must simultaneously return responses to therespective terminal stations making the requests independently of eachother when such requests concentrate, improvement of the throughput ofthe host station is required as the number of the terminal stationsincreases, and the data throughput required to the host stationremarkably increases depending on the terminal station number and theline number.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention has been proposed in order to solve theaforementioned problems, and aims at providing a game program supplysystem which can construct a game-on-demand system including a number ofterminal stations with no excess of requirement to equipment of anetwork or data throughput of a host station, and a program rewritesystem suitable for this game program supply system.

[0006] A game program supply system of a first invention comprises ahost station which is a supplier of data of a game program and aplurality of terminal stations which are connected to the host stationthrough a communication network to be supplied with the data of the gameprogram from the host station through the communication network onlinewhile being separately supplied with the data of the game programoffline too, and each of the plurality of terminal stations is formed tocomprise readable/writable first storage means preserving the data ofthe data program online-supplied from the host station through thecommunication network, read-only second storage means to be separatelysupplied with the data of the game program offline, and write meanswriting the data of the game program stored in the first or secondstorage means into a portable information storage medium applied to agame execution unit.

[0007] A game program supply system of a second invention is so formedthat writing preservation of the data with respect to the first storagemeans is managed by the host station.

[0008] A game program supply system of a third invention is so formedthat the communication network includes a satellite communicationnetwork and a ground communication network, so that the host stationsupplies encrypted data of the game program to the terminal stationsthrough the satellite communication network while supplying keyinformation for decrypting the cryptogram through the groundcommunication network.

[0009] A game program supply system of a fourth invention comprises aPOS system having a plurality of POS terminals and a game program datarewrite machine connected to each of the plurality of POS terminals, andthe game program data rewrite machine is formed to comprise storagemeans for storing data of a game program, and write means writing thedata of the game program stored in the storage means into a portableinformation storage medium applied to a game execution unit.

[0010] A game program supply system of a fifth invention is a gameprogram supply system supplying data of a game program by a game programdata rewrite machine, wherein the game program data rewrite machinecomprises storage means for storing the data of the game program andwrite means writing the data of the game program stored in the storagemeans into a game cassette which is a portable information storagemedium applied to a game execution unit, the game program includes gameprograms of a plurality of types of specifications responsive to thespecification of the game cassette, and the information storage mediumis formed to comprise specification selecting means in which operationsresponsive to the plurality of types of specifications are previouslydefined for implementing a specification suitable to the game program byexecuting the operation responsive to the written game program.

[0011] A game program supply system of a sixth invention is a gameprogram supply system for supplying data of a game program by a gameprogram data rewrite machine, wherein the game program data rewritemachine comprises storage means for storing the data of the gameprogram, and write means writing the data of the game program stored inthe storage means into a game cassette which is a portable informationstorage medium applied to a game execution unit, and the game cassetteis formed to comprise a flash memory rewritably storing the gameprogram, and an interface authorizing access between the flash memoryand, the game program data rewrite machine and the game execution unit.

[0012] In a game program supply system of a seventh invention, theinterface is formed to comprise a first interface dedicated to the gameprogram data rewrite machine authorizing access between the flash memoryand the game program rewrite machine, and a second interface dedicatedto the game execution unit authorizing access between the flash memoryand the game execution unit.

[0013] In a game program supply system of an eighth invention, the gamecassette further comprises a security circuit provided between the flashmemory and the first interface, and the security circuit is so formed asto store a previously determined key value specific to the game programdata supplied from the game program data rewrite machine in advance ofsupply of the game program data to be rewritten in case of rewriting thedata of the flash memory by the game program data rewrite machine, forperforming a prescribed operation on the game program data thereaftersupplied and authorizing writing of the game program data into the flashmemory only when the value of the operation coincides with the keyvalue.

[0014] A program rewrite system of a ninth invention is a system ofrewriting data of a program into a rewrite medium which is a portableinformation storage medium by a rewrite machine, wherein the rewritemedium comprises a semiconductor memory rewritably storing the data ofthe program, a memory control part controlling an operation of thesemiconductor memory, and a first operation circuit, the program datarewrite machine comprises a storage medium for storing the data of theprogram, write means writing the data of the program stored into thestorage medium in the rewrite medium, a second operation circuit, anddata set means, the data set means inputs common data into the first andsecond operation circuits in case of connecting the rewrite medium tothe rewrite machine for performing rewriting of the program, and thememory control part is formed to authorize writing into thesemiconductor memory only when data of operation results of the firstand second operation circuits are identical to each other.

[0015] In a program rewrite system of a tenth invention, the memorycontrol part is so formed as to authorize writing into the semiconductormemory only in relation to writing from the memory control part whilewriting prescribed data into the semiconductor memory when the data ofthe operation results of the first and second operation circuits areidentical to each other, and to authorize writing from the rewritemachine into the semiconductor memory only when coincidence is obtainedas a result of reading the data from the semiconductor memory andcomparing these data with each other.

[0016] A program rewrite system of an eleventh invention is a programrewrite system rewriting data of a program into a rewrite medium whichis a portable information storage medium by a rewrite machine, whereinthe rewrite medium comprises a semiconductor memory rewritably storingthe data of the program, and a memory control part controlling anoperation of the semiconductor memory, and the memory control part isformed to transit among a plurality of operation modes including a modeauthorizing writing with respect to the semiconductor memory and a modeinhibiting the same.

[0017] In a program rewrite system of a twelfth invention, the rewritemedium further comprises an operation circuit and a comparator, theoperation circuit executes an operation with respect to the data sentfrom the rewrite machine, the comparator performs comparison betweendata of an operation result of the operation circuit and another datasent from the rewrite machine, the plurality of operation modes arefirst to fourth operation modes, the memory control part first entersthe first operation mode when the rewrite medium is connected to therewrite machine for inhibiting writing into the semiconductor memory inthe first operation mode, and transits to the second operation mode whenthe two data compared by the comparator do not coincide with each otherfor transiting to the third operation mode when the same coincide witheach other, the memory control part stops its operation while inhibitingwriting into the semiconductor memory in the second operation mode, thememory control part authorizes writing into the semiconductor memoryonly in relation to writing from the memory control part in the thirdoperation while writing prescribed data into the semiconductor memory,further reading data, transiting to the second operation mode if thesedata do not coincide with each other or transiting to the fourthoperation mode when the same coincide with each other, and the memorycontrol part is formed to authorize writing from the rewrite machineinto the semiconductor memory in the fourth operation mode.

[0018] According to the game program supply system of the firstinvention, the data of the game program are subjected to supply of twosystems of online and offline ones, whereby the data can be mobilysupplied at any time and the system is also suitable for preservation ofmass data at the terminal stations, and this is a system writing thedata of the game program into information storage media for gameexecution at the terminal stations in response to requests from users,whereby requirement to equipment of the communication network or thedata throughput of the host station does not become excessive even if anumber of terminal stations are included, and it is possible toconstruct a game program supply system which can supply the data of thegame program to the users on demand.

[0019] According to the game program supply system of the secondinvention, the contents of writing preservation control to be performedby the host station may be identical for any terminal station, wherebythere is such an effect that the load of the host station is not in theleast influenced even if the number of the terminal stations increasesparticularly when simultaneous broadcast communication is employed.

[0020] According to the game program supply system of the thirdinvention, it is possible to bring encrypted data of the game programinto simultaneous broadcast communication to a number of terminalstations through the satellite communication network without causing anunreceivable region, and a data theft preventing effect increases sincethe key information for decryption is sent through the hardlyinterceptable ground communication network.

[0021] According to the game program supply system of the fourthinvention, there are such effects that it is possible to readilyconstruct a security management system, it is possible to simplify theoperation of the game program data rewrite machine for facilitating itsskill, and that, as to construction of the overall system, this isimplementable at a low cost.

[0022] According to the game program supply system of the fifthinvention, there are such effects that, even if there exist gamecassettes of various specifications depending on the type of the game orthe like, it is possible to cope with the various specifications bysimply preparing a game cassette of one specification applied to thegame program data rewrite machine, and a system of high practicalnesscan be constructed.

[0023] According to the game program supply system of the sixthinvention, there is such an effect that a game cassette capable ofrewriting the game program can be readily structured.

[0024] According to the game program supply system of the seventhinvention, there are such effects that it becomes possible to directlymount the game cassette to a generally existing game machine bodythrough no mounting adapter, and a game program supply system employinga rewritable game cassette can be economically constructed withoutrequiring additional component purchase to the users.

[0025] According to the game program supply system of the eighthinvention, there is such an effect that it is possible to preventillegal rewriting having a game program data which is not legallysupplied for rewriting as a rewrite source with respect to a rewritablegame cassette.

[0026] According to the program rewrite system of the ninth invention,writing into the semiconductor memory is authorized only when operationresults of two operation circuits coincide with each other, wherebywriting of the program into the semiconductor memory becomes impossiblewhen either the rewrite machine or the rewrite medium is not a legalapparatus. Namely, there is such an effect that illegal rewriting of theprogram data through a rewrite machine or a rewrite medium which is notlegally supplied can be prevented.

[0027] According to the program rewrite system of the tenth invention,writing from the rewrite machine into the semiconductor memory isauthorized only when writing and reading of prescribed data into andfrom the semiconductor memory are performed and these data coincide witheach other, whereby there is such an effect that writing of the programinto a faulty semiconductor memory can be prevented.

[0028] According to the program rewrite system of the eleventhinvention, writing in the semiconductor memory is authorized orinhibited by transition of the memory control part among a plurality ofoperation modes. Therefore, such an effect can be attained thatunexpected rewriting of the program can be prevented by properly settingconditions of transition.

[0029] According to the program rewrite system of the twelfth invention,the memory control part transits among the first to fourth operationmodes, whereby there are such effects that illegal rewriting of theprogram data through a rewrite machine or a rewrite medium which is notlegally supplied can be prevented while writing of the program into afaulty semiconductor memory can also be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one mode of a communication networkemployed for a game program supply system according to the presentinvention.

[0031]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one mode of a communication networkemployed for the game program supply system according to the presentinvention.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one mode of a communication networkemployed for the game program supply system according to the presentinvention.

[0033]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one mode of a communication networkemployed for the game program supply system according to the presentinvention.

[0034]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one mode of a communication networkemployed for the game program supply system according to the presentinvention.

[0035]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed structure of aterminal station.

[0036]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication network of a POSsystem employed for the game program supply system according to thepresent invention.

[0037]FIG. 8 is an appearance diagram showing a connection state betweena POS terminal and a game program data rewrite machine.

[0038]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the internalstructure of a game cassette employed in the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 10 presents diagrams showing examples of specifications ofgame cassettes.

[0040]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the internalstructure of a game cassette employed in the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the internalstructure of a game cassette employed in the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 13 is an appearance diagram of the game cassette.

[0043]FIG. 14 is an appearance diagram of a game cassette.

[0044]FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state at a time ofmounting the game cassette on a game program data rewrite machine.

[0045]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of the internalstructure of a game cassette employed in the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a structural example of asecurity circuit.

[0047]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing other examples of the rewritemachine and the game cassette.

[0048]FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a write protect part of FIG. 18.

[0049]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a control part of FIG. 18.

[0050]FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing a flow of an operation of thesystem of FIG. 18.

[0051]FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the flow of the operation of thesystem of FIG. 18.

[0052]FIG. 23 is a block diagram of an operation circuit of FIG. 19.

[0053]FIG. 24 is a state transition diagram of a memory control part ofFIG. 20.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0054]FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 are diagrams showing five modes of communicationnetworks employed for a game program supply system according to thepresent invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the detail of aterminal station.

[0055] In FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, a host station 1 becomes a supplier of dataof a game program. A plurality of terminal stations 2 are connected withthe host station 1 through the communication network, and supplied withthe data of the game program from the host station 1 online through thecommunication network. The plurality of terminal stations are separatelysupplied with the game program data offline too.

[0056] The communication networks in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are groundcommunication networks such as ISDN lines or public telephone lines,FIG. 1 is a case placing no relay station, and FIG. 2 is a case placingrelay stations 3 for load dispersion. The communication network of FIG.3 is a satellite communication network such as a satellite datacommunication line, and comprises a satellite station 4 which is acommunication satellite. The communication networks of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5are combinations of ground communication networks and satellitecommunication networks, the communication network of FIG. 4 correspondsto that combining the communication networks of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, andthe communication network of FIG. 5 corresponds to that combining thecommunication networks of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, each terminal station 2 comprises a harddisk drive (HDD) 13 including a hard disk unit serving asreadable/writable first storage means preserving the data of the gameprogram online-supplied from the host station 1 through thecommunication network. Further, each terminal station 2 comprises aCD-ROM drive 14 including a CD-ROM serving as read-only second storagemeans to be separately supplied with the data of the game programoffline. These HDD 13 and CD-ROM drive 14 are connected with a CPU 12managing control of all operations of the terminal station 2 through abus 11. This bus 11, which is schematically expressed, is a conceptincluding an external connection cable or the like in addition to aninternal bus of a computer.

[0058] Further, each terminal station 2 comprises a card reader 15 forreading ID data etc. of each user from a member card issued for theuser, an operation panel/monitor 17 employed when operating eachterminal station 2, a satellite data communication receiving unit 16employed for data receiving when the communication network is asatellite data communication network, an ISDN/Phone interface 18employed for line connection when the communication network is an ISDNline or a public telephone line, and a programming head 19 for writingthe data of the game program stored in the HDD 13 or the CD-ROM drive 14into a game execution storage medium 20 which is a portable informationstorage medium applied to a game execution unit such as a game machinein response to a request of the user. These are also connected to theCPU 12 through the bus 11.

[0059] In operation, each terminal station 2 receives supply (download)of the data of the game program from the host station 1 through thecommunication network periodically or at any time. Since no download ismade in response to a request from the terminal station 2, the hoststation 1 can operate in a time zone when the communication network isnot congested, moreover every one line which is the minimum unit. Thedownloaded data are preserved in the HDD 13 in each terminal station 2.In this case, writing-preservation (and desirably erase) with respect tothe HDD 13 is entirely managed at the host station 1. Namely, eachterminal 2 is regularly connected to the communication network and setin a receivable state, and writing preservation of the data issuccessively or simultaneously executed for each terminal station 2 (HDD13) by performing writing preservation control on the host station 1side. The contents of writing preservation control to be performed bythe host station 1 may be identical for any terminal station 2, wherebythere is such an advantage that the load of the host station 1 is not inthe least influenced even if the number of terminal stations increasesparticularly when making simultaneous broadcast communication.

[0060] When the data quantity of the game program thus distributedonline periodically or at any time reaches a considerable quantity, thedata of the game program is separately distributed to each terminalstation 2 offline with a CD-ROM. For example, a single CD-ROM can recordmass data of about 300 game programs. The distributed CD-ROM is set inthe CD-ROM drive 14 of each terminal station 2. Thus, overlappingstorage data of the HDD 13 become unnecessary, and its storage area isused for storage of new data.

[0061] In online supply of the data of the game program, the hoststation 1 may encrypt and download the data for theft prevention. Keyinformation for decrypting the cryptogram is separately supplied fromthe host station 1 to each terminal station 2 through the communicationnetwork. The key information can be periodically changed. Each terminalstation 1 stores the key information in a memory (for example, the HDD13 may be employed), and the CPU 12 decrypts the downloaded encrypteddata of the game program when preserving the same into the HDD 13 on thebasis of the stored key information, or preserves the encrypted datainto the HDD 13 as such for performing decryption when reading the data.

[0062] Particularly in the communication network of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, itis effective to distribute encrypted data of the game program through asatellite communication network and to provide the key information fordecryption through a ground communication network. Due to employment ofthe satellite communication network, it readily becomes possible to makesimultaneous broadcast communication of data of a game program having alarge information quantity to a number of terminal stations 2 withoutmaking an unreceivable region. Assuming that the key information fordecryption is also sent through the satellite communication system inthis case, the meaning of encryption declines since the same is readilyinterceptable, while this point can be solved by sending only the keyinformation through the ground communication network.

[0063] A user wanting a game program goes to the nearest terminationstation 2. An ID card of the user is loaded in the card reader 15 at theterminal station 2. The user information may be uploaded in the hoststation 1 through the communication network in real time or throughbatch processing.

[0064] The data of the game program required by the user is read fromthe HDD 13 or the CD-ROM drive 14, and written into the game executionstorage medium 20 through the programming head 19. The game executionstorage medium 20 can be that of a game cassette type utilizing a customflash memory which is a kind of erasable rewritable ROM too, forexample. Thus, a game execution storage medium which is excellent inphysical strength and recyclably usable can be implemented. The user canenjoy the game by applying the game execution storage medium 20 in whichthe data of the desired game program are written to his game machine.

[0065] A communication network by radio waves other than the satellitecommunication network may be employed in place of the satellitecommunication network, and a similar effect can be attained also in thiscase.

[0066]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another mode of the communicationnetwork employed for the game program supply system according to thepresent invention. In this embodiment, a POS system is employed as thecommunication network, in practice, each terminal station 2 is often setin a retail shop into which a POS system for sales management isintroduced. In such case, utilizing an existing POS system as thecommunication network for the game program supply system according tothe present invention is this embodiment.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7, a host station 21 supervising all objectregions, regional head offices 22 provided for the respective regionsand POS terminals 24 set in respective retail shops 23 are connected andconstructed through a tree communication network having the regionalhead offices 22 as relay stations, for example, as is generally known.Namely, this is a mode similar to FIG. 2. In general, further, thecommunication network is connected also to security companies 25 for therespective regional head offices 22 for security management. The POSterminals 24 of the respective retail shops 23 are connected to gameprogram data rewrite machines 27 through interface cables 26. The POSterminals 24 and the game program data rewrite machines 27 implementfunctions equivalent to those of the aforementioned terminal stations 2.

[0068]FIG. 8 is an appearance diagram showing a state of connecting thePOS terminal 24 and the game program data rewrite machine 27 with eachother by the interface cable 26. A bar code reader 28 is comprised inthe POS terminal 24, as is generally known. This bar code reader 28 canbe employed in place as a part of the operation panel/monitor 17 of FIG.6. The ISDN/Phone interface 18 is comprised in the POS terminal 24. Thecard reader 15 can be employed if comprised in the POS terminal 24, andif not, the same is provided in the game program data rewrite machine27. The remaining elements of the terminal station 2 of FIG. 6 areprovided in the game program data rewrite machine 27. Number 29 in FIG.8 denotes a mount connector of a game cassette which is the gameexecution storage medium, and adapted to set the game execution storagemedium 20 to the programming head 19 of FIG. 6.

[0069] The data of the game program preserved in the game program datarewrite machine 27 may be those supplied from the host station 21through the communication network of the POS system. Or, the same may bethose distributed to the game program data rewrite machine 27 of eachshop with a CD-ROM offline. Or, the same may be those combining these,as described above. Further, it is also possible to combine distributionby a separately provided satellite communication network. In this case,it becomes a mode just similar to FIG. 5.

[0070] According to this embodiment, there are the following advantages:Namely, security management can be readily implemented at a low cost, inthe first place. In general, a security management system is alreadyconstructed in a POS system, and security management of the game programsupply system according to the present invention can also be performedby simply adding small changes for adding the game program data rewritemachine 27 to management objects of this security management system. Forexample, it is readily possible to make the POS terminal 24automatically inform the host station 21 when the connection between thePOS terminal 24 and the game program data rewrite machine 27 is cut by acriminal or the like simply by adding some means to the securitymanagement system of an existing POS system without particularlyrequiring addition of a dedicated apparatus or the like.

[0071] There is also such an advantage that a manipulation method issimplified. Namely, the bar code reader 28 is generally comprised in thePOS terminal 24, and this is utilized for manipulation of the gameprogram data rewrite machine 27. For example, it is possible to select aspecific game program by bar code reading through the bar code reader 28by bar-coding a list of game programs preserved in the game program datarewrite machine 27. Further, it is also possible to bar-code variouscommands to be supplied to the game program data rewrite machine 27 inrewrite starting or the like for executing command supply by readingthereof. Thus, it becomes possible to simplify a manipulation apparatusof the game program data rewrite machine 27 by enabling partial oroverall manipulation of the game program data rewrite machine 27 bycontrol from the POS terminal 24 side. Further, a salesclerk isaccustomed to manipulation of the bar code reader, and skill of thesalesclerk who is a manipulator is early as to manipulation of the gameprogram data rewrite machine 27. When the game program data rewritemachine 27 is set to be manipulated by bar code reading, further, it isimpossible to correctly operate the same if there is no bar code reader28 and the contents of bar codes are unknown granted that the gameprogram data rewrite machine 27 is stolen, whereby this is useful alsofor crime prevention.

[0072] Further, there is also such an advantage that system constructioncan be performed at a low cost. Namely, connection means with the hostcomputer 21 is comprised in the POS terminal 24 and there is no need toprovide connection means with the host computer 21 in the game programdata rewrite machine 27 in case of connecting the game program datarewrite machine 27 to the POS terminal 24 and employing the same,whereby it is possible to construct the system at a low cost.

[0073] While the case of connecting the game program data rewritemachine 27 to the POS terminal 24 and employing the same has been shownin the aforementioned embodiment, game program data rewrite machines 27may be those comprising all functions of the terminal station 2 of FIG.6 in the following various embodiments.

[0074]FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of acassette interior in case of employing a game cassette 30 containing acustom flash memory as the game execution storage medium which is theportable information storage medium utilized in the game program supplysystem according to the present invention. The game cassette 30 in thisembodiment is structured to be capable of corresponding to gamecassettes of existing various specifications. Here the specificationsmean capacities of ROMs and RAMs carried on the game cassettes, andallocation (memory map) of the ROM capacities and RAM capacities withrespect to total address spaces standardized as standards of gamemachines. It is the actual situation that existing game cassettes areimplemented by various specifications in response to types of games.

[0075]FIG. 10 presents diagrams showing examples of specifications ofgame cassettes. (A) shows a memory map of a cassette specification 1,and (B) shows a memory map of a cassette specification 2. Total addressspaces are prepared from addresses 0000H to FFFFH from banks 0 to banks3. The cassette specification 1 has only relatively small ROM capacityand RAM capacity, and these are allocated to respective parts of thebank 0 and the bank 1 as shown in FIG. 10(A). On the other hand, thecassette specification 2 has relatively large ROM capacity and RAMcapacity, and these are allocated employing almost all of the bank 0 tothe bank 3 as shown in FIG. 10(B).

[0076] Here, assumed is a case of preparing the game cassette 30employed in the present invention in the cassette specification 2 andwriting a game program of the cassette specification 1 into this gamecassette 30, for example. Data of the game program are associated withbanks and addresses of an area of the ROM of the cassette specification1, and also in case of storing the data in the game cassette 30 of thecassette specification 2, the same are stored in an area of the ROM ofthe cassette specification 2 implemented by a flash memory by the samebanks and addresses. Assuming that the program created in the cassettespecification 1 designates an address (e.g., 0000H of the bank 1) of theRAM when this game program is executed, no RAM is present in the addressand it is inoperable in the cassette specification 2 storing the samenow in practice. Cassettes having small capacities include that of sucha specification that an addressing circuit is so structured as not touse the most significant bits of addresses but to make addressing withonly the remaining bits. In this specification, an address 8000H and anaddress 0000H become the same addressing, for example, and it comes tothat the same data are read from an existing memory address even if nomemory exists in one side (the address 000H of the bank 0 in thecassette specification 1, for example) (the so-called image). When agame program of a cassette of this image specification is stored in thegame cassette 30 according to the present invention having a generalspecification and operated, the address 8000H and the address 000H, forexample, become different addressing as a matter of course, and hencethe aforementioned image operation cannot be performed.

[0077] It is the actual situation that various ones are present inspecifications of existing game cassettes, and hence in whateverspecification the game cassette 30 employed in the present invention isstructured, the game program supply system according to the presentinvention cannot be rendered correspondable to game cassettes of allspecifications unless the same is rendered capable of attainingcompatibility between the specifications.

[0078] In the game cassette 30 according to the present invention ofFIG. 9, a cassette specification selecting circuit 31 is provided forattaining compatibility between specifications. The cassettespecification selecting circuit 31 is formed by a code storage part 32storing codes for specifying specifications, and a map mode switchingcircuit 33 changing what address of which memory is accessed (i.e.,equal to making rereading of a memory map) in response to the differencebetween the specifications. A flash ROM 34 is provided in order torewritably store data of game programs, and a RAM 35 is providedsimilarly to the conventional game cassette. The flash ROM 34 and theRAM 35 are allocated to the memory map of the banks 0 to 3 and theaddresses 0000H to FFFFH in a prescribed specification. The code storagepart 32 may be implemented on the same flash memory as the flash ROM 34,or another flash memory may be employed.

[0079] The map mode switching circuit 33 performs address rereadingnecessary for attaining compatibility between the specification (memorymap) of the game cassette 30 employed in the present invention andspecifications (memory maps) of existing various game cassettes. Withreference to the aforementioned example (preparing the game cassette 30employed in the present invention in the cassette specification 2, andwriting the game program of the cassette specification 1 into this gamecassette 30), an address of the RAM of the cassette specification 1 isconverted to an address of the RAM (either the RAM of the bank 2 or theRAM of the bank 3 is employable) by action of the map mode switchingcircuit 33 for accessing the RAM 35. In case of the image specification,a memory address of a part where no memory corresponding to an imagereally exists is converted to a memory address of a part where a memorycorresponding thereto really exists by action of the map mode switchingcircuit 33 for accessing the flash ROM 34 or the RAM 35.

[0080] Contents are determined in the specifications of existing variousgame cassettes, and hence a reread rule of memory addresses to beimplemented by the map mode switching circuit 33 for normally operatingis determined due to determination of the content of the specificationof the game cassette 30 employed in the present invention. This rereadrule can be readily implemented by a look-up table memory associatingmemory addresses of one specification with memory addresses of anotherspecification. However, this look-up table memory must be provided foreach of specifications of existing various game cassettes. Which look-uptable memory is employed is decided by code information stored in thecode storage part 32.

[0081] In operation, data of a desired game program are written in theflash ROM 34 by mounting the game cassette 30 on the game program datarewrite machine 27. Further, code information corresponding to thespecification of the game program is written in the code storage part32. In case of mounting the game cassette 30 onto the game machine bodyand executing the game, the map mode switching circuit 33 inputs thecode information in the code storage part 32 and activates thecorresponding look-up table at the time of power supply, for example.Signal transfer between the game machine body and the flash ROM 34 orthe RAM 35 is performed under address change by the look-up table,whereby it is possible to normally execute the game regardless of thespecification of the game cassette 30 and the specification of the gameprogram stored therein.

[0082] It is also possible to structure the map mode switching circuit33 by rewritable programmable logic such as GAL or FPGA etc. Thus, evenif cassettes of new types are formed and the specifications increase inthe future, expansion of the corresponding range of the map modeswitching circuit 33 can be readily performed by rewriting the contentsof the logic to be correspondable thereto. For example, it is possibleto readily detach and rewrite the contents of the logic by employing aGAL chip and arranging the chip in the map mode switching circuit 33through an IC socket. Further, it is possible to structure the map modeswitching circuit 33 by simultaneous employment of the look-up table andthe rewritable programmable logic.

[0083]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the simplest structure of thecassette interior in case of employing a game cassette 30 containing acustom flash memory as the game execution storage medium which is theportable information storage medium utilized in the game program supplysystem according to the present invention. In this embodiment, thecassette specification selecting circuit 31 of FIG. 9 is not providedbetween a flash ROM 34, a RAM 35 and the exterior but an interface withthe exterior is set at only one portion. Namely, signal transfer with agame machine body and a game program data rewrite machine is performedthrough this external interface of one portion.

[0084]FIG. 13 is an appearance diagram of the game cassette. As is knownin general, the bottom surface of the game cassette 30 is the gamemachine body mount side, and a connector (not shown) for connecting thesame with the game machine body is provided there. In this embodiment,it is possible to simply structure the game cassette 30 by employingthis connector also for connection with the game program data rewritemachine. In order to execute rewriting by the game program data rewritemachine 27, however, control signals are insufficient with signals withthe game machine body heretofore employed, and hence it is necessary toemploy a game machine connection connector of a new specification inplace of a game machine connection connector generally employed ingeneral. Or, in case of employing a game machine connection connector ofa general specification, it is necessary to add change for performinginsufficient signal addition for the game program data rewrite machine27 to the connector periphery. In order to mount the game cassette 30structured as such on an existing game machine body manufactured by aconventional general connector specification in either case, it isnecessary to separately prepare a mount adaptor for mounting the samethrough the adaptor.

[0085]FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of agame cassette 30 making such a mount adaptor unnecessary. In thisembodiment, interfaces with the exterior are provided in two portions inthe embodiment of FIG. 11. Namely, the interface with the game machinebody and an interface with the game program data rewriter are providedindependently of each other, for performing signal transfer with thegame machine body and the game program data rewrite machine through therespective ones of these.

[0086]FIG. 14 is an appearance diagram showing an example of a structureof a game cassette 30 in case of providing interfaces with the exteriorin two portions. On the bottom surface of the cassette 30 which is ageneral game machine body mount side, a game machine connectionconnector (not shown) of a general specification is provided in general.On the opposite surface of this bottom surface, i.e., on the uppersurface of the cassette 30, on the other hand, a connector part for gameprogram data rewrite machine connection is provided, and this connectorpart is closed with an openable/closable lid 36. The lid 36 performs arole of closing the cassette upper surface upwardly directed when thegame cassette 30 is mounted on a game machine body for preventingentrance of dust in the connector part for game program data rewritemachine connection.

[0087]FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state at a time ofmounting the game cassette 30 on a connector part 29 of a game programdata rewrite machine 27. Number 37 is a connector receiver provided inthe connector part 29 of the rewrite machine 27, and the connectorreceiver 37 waiting in the connector part 29 pushes the lid 36 open byinserting the game cassette 30 in the connector part 29 of the rewritemachine 27, to engage and be electrically connected with the connector38 of the game cassette 30.

[0088] The connector part for game program data rewrite machineconnection provided on the game cassette 30 may not necessarily providedon the upper surface of the game cassette 30. It may be provided on anysurface of the game cassette 30, so far as the position does notphysically interferes when the game cassette 30 is mounted on a gamemachine body of a general structure.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to directlymount the game cassette 30 on the existing game machine body withoutmounting the same through an additional adaptor when mounting the sameon the game machine body, and it becomes possible to construct a gameprogram supply system employing a rewritable game cassette withoutrequiring additional component purchase to the user. Further, it becomespossible to structure the system with no limitation by the hardwarestructure of the existing game machine body by dedicatedly providing theconnector for game program data rewrite machine connection on the gamecassette 30.

[0090]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of thecassette interior in case of providing an illegal game program rewritepreventing function on the game cassette 30. In this embodiment, asecurity circuit 39 is provided between the flash ROM 34 and the gameprogram data rewrite machine interface in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

[0091]FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of thesecurity circuit 39. In advance of supply of the game program data to berewritten when rewriting the data of the flash ROM 34 by a game programdata rewrite machine 27, a security key value corresponding to the gameprogram data is supplied from the game program data rewrite machine 27,and this key value is stored in a security key storage part 40. The keyvalue is previously set as a value specific to each game program data,and stored in association with each game program data in the gameprogram rewrite machine 27. The corresponding security key value isdistributed online simultaneously with the game program data whendistributing the game program data to the game program data rewritemachine 27 online, for example, and when distributing the game programdata to the game program data rewrite machine 27 offline with a CD-ROM,the security key value is written in the CD-ROM in association with eachgame program data.

[0092] A computing unit 41 receives the game program data to berewritten supplied from the game program data rewrite machine followingthe security key value, and performs a prescribed operation on the data.The operation content is previously determined, and the computing unit41 is formed as a logic circuit executing the operation, for example. Anoperation result of the computing unit 41 is supplied to a comparator42. Further, the key value of the security key storage part 40 issupplied to the comparator 42. The comparator 42 compares these datawith each other, and outputs a control signal turning on a gate 43 onlywhen the same coincide with each other. If the value operated from thesupplied game program data and the previously stored security key valuedo not coincide with each other, therefore, the gate 43 goes off, and nowriting of following game program data in the flash ROM 34 is performed.Checking by a check sum value or CLC can be employed.

[0093] According to this embodiment, writing from those other than thegame program data rewrite machine holding correct security key valuescan be inhibited, whereby rewriting of the game program of the gamecassette 30 is impossible unless game program data normally distributedonline or distributed with a CD-ROM offline is employed as a rewritesource even if there is a game program data rewrite machine, and thereis such an advantage that illegal rewriting of the game program of therewritable game cassette 30 can be prevented.

[0094]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing other exemplary structures of arewrite machine having a game program data illegal rewrite preventingfunction and a game cassette. A rewrite machine 50 and a game cassette70 of this embodiment are so structured that writing of data of aprogram is performed after confirming that both of these are normalapparatuses, i.e., the same are not illegally supplied apparatuses.Further, a test is executed also as to whether or not there is hardwarefailure in a flash memory 72 before writing of the data of the programis performed.

[0095] A write protect part 52, a write part 55, a communicationinterface 56 and a storage part 57 are comprised in the rewrite machine50, in addition to a CPU 51. These apparatus parts couple with eachother through a bus line 58. Among these, the write part 55 is anapparatus part transferring signals between the same and the gamecassette 70, and structured as the programming head 19 of FIG. 6, forexample. The communication interface 56 is an interface with acommunication line supplying the data of the program, and structured asthe ISDN/Phone interface 18 of FIG. 6, for example. Further, the storagepart 57 is a storage medium storing the data of the program, andstructured as the HDD 13 of FIG. 6, for example.

[0096] The flash memory (flash ROM) 72 is comprised in the game cassette70 as a memory for writing the data of the game program, similarly tothe game cassette 30 of FIG. 9. In the game cassette 70, a control part71 is further comprised. These apparatus parts couple with each otherthrough a bus line 78.

[0097] The write protect part 52 provided on the side of the rewritemachine 50 and the control part 71 provided on the side of the gamecassette 70 serve a function of preventing illegal writing of theprogram in cooperation with each other. Namely, in this embodiment, thepoint that the write protect part 52 is comprised in the rewrite machine50 and the control part 71 is comprised in the game cassette 70 ischaracteristically different from the rewrite machines 27 and the gamecassettes 30 of the remaining embodiments. The write protect part 52 andthe control part 71 are structured by ASIC (custom LSI).

[0098]FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of thewrite protect part 52 forming a characteristic part of the rewritemachine 50. An interface 53 and a write protect control part 54 arecomprised in the write protect part 52. The interface 53 is an interfaceintervening between the CPU 51 and the write protect control part 54.

[0099] A reset signal RS, a system clock signal CLK, a read enablesignal RD, a write enable signal WR, an address signal ADR1, and a datasignal DT are inputted from the CPU 51 into the interface 53. The datasignal DT employs a data bus as a transmission medium, and isbidirectionally transferred between the CPU 51 and the write protectcontrol part 54. The address signal ASDR1 employs an address bus as atransmission medium.

[0100] Two registers 61 and 62 for data setting, an operation circuit64, two registers 63 and 65 for storing operation results, a comparator66, and a register 67 for comparison result storage are comprised in thewrite protect control part 54.

[0101]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of thecontrol part 71 forming a characteristic part of the game cassette 70.An interface 73, a write protect control part 74, and a memory controlpart 75 are comprised in the control part 71. The interface 73 is aninterface intervening between the CPU 51 comprised in the rewritemachine 50 and the write protect control part 74 comprised in theinterior of the control part 71. Between the CPU 51 and the interface73, the data signal DT and other signals are transferred similarly tothose between the CPU 51 and the interface 53.

[0102] The write protect control part 74 is an apparatus part playing acentral role in prevention of illegal writing. Its principal part isstructured similarly to the write protect control part 54. Namely, tworegisters 81 and 82 for data setting, an operation circuit 84, tworegisters 83 and 85 for operation result storage, a comparator 86, and aregister 87 for comparison result storage are comprised in the writeprotect control part 74.

[0103] A control signal output part 88 is further comprised in the writeprotect control part 74. The control signal output part 88 outputs aninternal flash control signal CNT1 and a write authorization signal WPMto the memory control part 75. The write authorization signal WPM is asignal supplying an instruction indicating that writing in the flashmemory 72 is to be authorized, and the internal flash control signalCNT1 is an instruction code instructing starting of a test of the flashmemory 72 or the like, for example.

[0104] The memory control part 75 is an apparatus part controlling awrite operation and a read operation of the flash memory 72 on the basisof the signals from the write protect control part 74 and the CPU 51.Although illustration is omitted, an address decoder decoding theaddress signal ADR1 and outputting the same as a flash address signalADR2 specifying an address of the flash memory 72 is comprised in thememory control part 75. Further, a memory map forming part for creatinga memory map responsive to the specification of the cassette iscomprised in the memory control part 75. This memory map forming part isstructured as the cassette specification selecting circuit 31 of FIG. 9,for example.

[0105] From the memory control part 75 in the flash memory 72, a flashcontrol signal CNT2 is inputted in addition to the data signal DT andthe flash address signal ADR2. The flash control signal CNT2 is a signalinstructing the write operation and the read operation of the flashmemory 72. The data signal DT is bidirectionally transferred between thememory control part 75 and the flash memory 72.

[0106]FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are flow charts showing a flow of an operationin the overall combined body of the rewrite machine 50 and the gamecassette 70 in case of connecting the game cassette 70 to the rewritemachine 50 and writing the data of the program in the flash memory 72 ofthe game cassette 70. Along these flow charts, operations of therespective parts of the rewrite machine 50 and the game cassette 70 aredescribed in detail below.

[0107] When processing is started, the rewrite medium, i.e., the gamecassette 70 is first inserted into the rewrite machine 50 at a step S1.Consequently, the rewrite machine 50 and the game cassette 70 areconnected with each other.

[0108] Then, power for the rewrite machine 50 is supplied at a step S2.Then, the memory control part 75 executes creation of a memory map.Thereafter the processing shifts to steps S3 and S4.

[0109] At the step S3, the CPU 51 writes data of one byte in each of theregisters 61 and 62. Simultaneously with or around this, the CPU 51writes the data of one byte identical to the data written in theregisters 61 and 62 in each of the registers 81 and 82 at the step S4.Consequently, the register 61 and the register 81 hold the same data ofone byte, and the register 62 and the register 82 hold the same data ofone byte.

[0110] Then, at a step S5, the operation circuit 64 executes anoperation on the basis of the data of the registers 61 and 62, andwrites data of an operation result in the register 65. Simultaneously ata step S6, the operation circuit 84 executes an operation on the basisof the data of the registers 81 and 82, and writes data of an operationresult in the register 85. When both of the rewrite machine 50 and thegame cassette 70 are normal apparatuses, the operation circuit 64 andthe operation circuit 84 are formed identically to each other. At thistime, operations identical to each other are executed in both operationcircuits 64 and 84, whereby the data written in the two registers 65 and85 also become identical to each other.

[0111]FIG. 23 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an internalstructure of a normal operation circuit 64 (and 84). In this example,the operation circuit 64 comprises eight exclusive OR circuits. 1-bytedata A (=A0 to A7) held in the register 61 are inputted in single inputsthereof, and 1-byte data B (=B0 to B7) held in the register 62 areinputted in other inputs.

[0112] 1-byte data C (=C0 to C7) calculated as exclusive OR thereof areinputted in the register 65 as an output signal. If both of the rewritemachine 50 and the game cassette 70 are normal apparatuses, both of theoperation circuits 64 and 84 comprised therein are structured as thecircuit diagram of FIG. 23, for example.

[0113] Then, at a step S7, the CPU 51 reads the data held in theregister 85, and writes the same in the register 63. Around this, theCPU 51 reads the data held in the register 65 and writes the same in theregister 83 at a step S8.

[0114] Then, at a step S9, the comparator 66 compares the data held inthe two registers 63 and 65 with each other, and determines whether ornot the same coincide with each other. Then, data expressing the resultof the determination is written in the register 67. The data written inthe register 67 is transmitted to the CPU 51.

[0115] Simultaneously with the step S9, the comparator 86 compares thedata held in the two registers 83 and 85 with each other, and determineswhether or not the same coincide with each other at a step S10. Then,data indicating the result of the determination is written in theregister 87. The data written in the register 87 is transmitted to thecontrol signal output part 88 and the CPU 51.

[0116] If the data written in the registers 67 and 87 are dataexpressing determination results of non-coincidence, the processingshifts to a step S11. At the step S11, the CPU 51 stops all processing.Further, the control signal output part 88 holds a state of transmittingno write authorization signal WPM. Since the write authorization signalWPM is not inputted, the memory control part 75 performs no writing intothe flash memory 72 even if the write enable signal WR, the data signalDT or the address signal ADR1 is inputted from the rewrite machine 50.Namely, the flash memory 72 is kept in a state of write inhibition.

[0117] If the data written in the registers 67 and 87 are dataexpressing determination results of coincidence, the processing shiftsto a step S12. At the step S12, the control signal output part 88outputs the write authorization signal WPM on the basis of the datawritten in the register 87. Consequently, the memory control part 75sets the flash memory 72 in a writable state. However, only writing fromthe memory control part 75 becomes possible, and writing from the CPU 51is kept inhibited.

[0118] The control signal output part 88 outputs a signal instructingstarting of the test of the flash memory 72 as the internal flashcontrol signal CNT1, simultaneously with outputting of the writeauthorization signal WPM. In response to this signal, the memory controlpart 75 executes writing of prescribed data with respect to the flashmemory 72. The prescribed data are previously prepared in the memorycontrol part 75.

[0119] Then, at a step S13, the memory control part 75 reads the datawritten in the flash memory 72, and compares the read data with theprescribed data. The result of the comparison is transmitted to the CPU51. When non-coincidence is confirmed as the result of the comparison,the CPU 51 determines that there is abnormality in the hardware of theflash memory 72, and shifts the processing to the aforementioned stepS11. At the same time, the memory control part 75 inhibits writing intothe flash memory 72, similarly to the time when no write authorizationsignal WPM is inputted. When coincidence is confirmed as the result ofthe comparison, the processing shifts to a step S14.

[0120] At the step S14, the memory control part 75 sets the flash memory72 in a state allowing writing from the CPU 51. Then, the CPU 51executes writing of the prescribed data with respect to the flash memory72. Thereafter at a step S15, the CPU 51 reads the data written in theflash memory 72, and compares the read data with the prescribed data.

[0121] When non-coincidence is confirmed as the result of thecomparison, the CPU 51 determines that there is abnormality in the flashmemory 72 or any hardware such as the memory control part 75 concerningthe write operation in the flash memory 72, and shifts the processing tothe aforementioned step S11. At this time, the CPU 51 controls thememory control part 75 so that the memory control part 75 inhibitswriting in the flash memory 72. When coincidence is confirmed as theresult of the comparison, the processing shifts to a step S16.

[0122] At the step S16, the data of the program stored in the storagepart 57 are written in the flash memory 72 by the CPU 51. Thus, the dataof the program stored in the flash memory 72 are rewritten to data of anew program. When the writing is completed, all processing is ended.

[0123] Also when no data setting is performed at the steps S3 and S4, nodata as operation results are read at the steps S5 and S6, or no settingof operation results is performed at the steps S7 and S8, two operationresults do not generally coincide with each other in determinations atthe steps S10 and S11, and hence writing in the flash memory 72 isinhibited as a result.

[0124] As hereinabove described, the rewrite machine 50 and the gamecassette 70 are so structured as to prevent writing in the flash memory72 when at least one of these apparatuses is illegal (not a normalapparatus) in this embodiment.

[0125] Following the aforementioned operations, the memory control part75 of the game cassette 70 properly transits between a plurality ofstates. FIG. 24 is a state transition diagram illustrating this. Whenpower is supplied, an operation mode of the memory control part 75 firstbecomes an initial mode M1. Namely, the initial mode M1 is default. Inthis initial mode M1, a memory map is created. The detail of creation ofthe memory map has already been illustrated with quotation of FIG. 10.While omitted in the illustration of the step S2, the memory controlpart 75 inhibits writing with respect to the flash memory 72 also whencreation of the memory map is not normally performed.

[0126] The initial mode M1 corresponds to the operations of the memorycontrol part 75 at the steps S1 to S10. When the result of thecomparison at the step S10 is non-coincidence, or when theaforementioned creation of the memory map is not normally performed, theoperation mode transits from the initial mode M1 to a reset mode M2. Inthe reset mode M2, writing in the flash memory 72 is inhibited, whileall operations stop. The reset mode M2 does not transit to the initialmode M1 unless an operation of reset cancel is performed from theexterior.

[0127] If there is no problem in the result of the comparison at thestep S10, the operation mode transits from the initial mode M1 to amemory check mode M3. When transiting to the memory check mode M3,writing from the memory control part 75 to the flash memory 72 becomespossible, while writing from the CPU 51 is still inhibited by the memorycontrol part 75.

[0128] The memory check mode M3 corresponds to the operations at thesteps S12 to S13. The operation mode transits to the reset mode M2 ifthere is a problem in the result of the determination by the step S13,or transits to a memory rewrite mode M4 if there is no problem.

[0129] In the memory rewrite mode M4, writing from the CPU 51 in theflash memory 72 is authorized. Then, the processing at the steps S14 toS16 is performed. Namely, the test of the flash memory 72 by the CPU 51,and rewriting of the program data are performed.

[0130] If there is a problem in the result of the test of the flashmemory 72 at the step S15, the operation mode transits to the reset modeM2 at this point of time. If there is no problem in the test at the stepS15, it transits to the reset mode M2 after rewriting of the programdata is performed. In case of assembling the game cassette 70 into thegame machine body and using the same, the operation mode transits to theinitial mode M1. Namely, general use as a game machine becomes possiblein the initial mode M1.

[0131] In the memory rewrite mode M4, the memory control part 75 setsthe flash memory 72 in a readable state, whereby it is possible to readthe data of the program stored in the flash memory 72 to the gamemachine body. As hereinabove described, the memory control part 75 ofthe game cassette 70 is structured to transit between a plurality ofstates.

[0132] In the above description, such examples that the game cassette 70and the rewrite machine 50 are structured as elements of the gameprogram supply system has been shown. However, it is also possible tostructure a portable rewrite medium having a semiconductor memoryrewritably storing not only data of game programs but data of programsin general and a rewrite machine rewriting data of programs in thisrewrite medium similarly to the game cassette 70 and the rewrite machine50 respectively. Namely, the present invention is executable not onlyfor a game program supply system but generally with respect to a programrewrite system.

1. A game program supply system comprising: a host station (1) being asupplier of data of a game program; and a plurality terminal stations(2) being connected with said host station through a communicationnetwork to be supplied with the data of the game program from said hoststation online through said communication network while being separatelysupplied with the data of the game program offline, each of saidplurality of terminal stations comprising: readable/writable firststorage means (13) preserving the data of the game programonline-supplied from said host station through said communicationnetwork, read-only second storage means (14) to be separately suppliedwith the data of the game program offline, and write means (19) writingthe data of the game program stored in said first or second storagemeans into a portable information storage medium (20) being applied to agame execution unit.
 2. The game program supply system in accordancewith claim 1 , wherein writing preservation of data with respect to saidfirst storage means is managed by said host station.
 3. The game programsupply system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said communicationnetwork includes a satellite communication network and a groundcommunication network, and said host station supplies encrypted data ofa game program to said terminal stations through said satellitecommunication network while supplying key information for decrypting thecryptogram to said terminal stations through said ground communicationnetwork.
 4. A game program supply system comprising: a POS system havinga plurality of POS terminals (24); and a game program rewrite machine(27, 50) being connected to each of said plurality of POS terminals,said game program data rewrite machine comprising: storage means (57)for storing data of a game program, and write means (55) for writing thedata of the game program stored in said storage means into a portableinformation storage medium (30, 70) being applied to a game executionunit.
 5. A game program supply system for supplying data of a gameprogram by a game program data rewrite machine (50), wherein said gameprogram data rewrite machine comprises: storage means (57) for storingthe data of the game program, and write means (55) writing the data ofthe game program stored in said storage means into a game cassette (30)being a portable information storage medium applied to a game executionunit, said game program includes game programs of a plurality of typesof specifications responsive to the specification of said game cassette,and said information storage medium (30) comprises specificationselecting means (31) in which operations responsive to said plurality oftypes of specifications are previously defined for executing saidoperation responsive to the specification of a written game programthereby implementing the specification suitable for said game program.6. A game program supply system supplying data of a game program by agame program data rewrite machine (50), wherein said game program datarewrite machine comprises: storage means (57) for storing the data ofthe game program, and write means (55) writing the data of the gameprogram stored in said storage means into a game cassette (30, 70) beinga portable information storage medium applied to a game execution unit,and said game cassette comprises: a flash memory (34, 72) rewritablystoring said game program, and an interface authorizing access betweensaid flash memory and, said game program data rewrite machine and saidgame execution unit.
 7. The game program supply system in accordancewith claim 6 , wherein said interface comprises: a first interfacededicated to the game program data rewrite machine authorizing accessbetween said flash memory and said game program data rewrite machine,and a second interface dedicated to the game execution unit authorizingaccess between said flash memory and said game execution unit.
 8. Thegame program supply system in accordance with claim 7 , wherein saidgame cassette further comprises a security circuit (39) being providedbetween said flash memory and said first interface, and said securitycircuit stores a predetermined key value specific to the game programdata supplied from said game program data rewrite machine in advance ofsupply of game program data to be rewritten when rewriting the data ofsaid flash memory by said game program data rewrite machine and performsa prescribed operation on said game program data being thereaftersupplied for authorizing writing of said game program data into saidflash memory only when the value of said operation coincides with saidkey value.
 9. A program rewrite system for rewriting data of a programdata into a rewrite medium (70) being a portable information storagemedium by a rewrite machine (50), wherein said rewrite medium comprises:a semiconductor memory (72) rewritably storing the data of the program,a memory control part (75) controlling an operation of saidsemiconductor memory, and a first operation circuit (84), said programdata rewrite machine comprises: a storage medium (57) for storing thedata of the program, write means (55) writing the data of the programbeing stored in said storage medium into said rewrite medium, a secondoperation circuit (64), and data set means (51), said data set meansinputs common data into said first and second operation circuits whenconnecting said rewrite medium to said rewrite machine and performingrewriting of said program, and said memory control part authorizeswriting into said semiconductor memory only when data of operationresults of said first and second operation circuits are identical toeach other.
 10. The program rewrite system in accordance with claim 9 ,wherein said memory control part authorizes writing into saidsemiconductor memory only in relation to writing from said memorycontrol part while writing prescribed data into said semiconductormemory when the data of the operation results of said first and secondoperation circuits are identical to each other, thereafter further readsthe data from said semiconductor memory, and authorizes writing fromsaid rewrite machine into said semiconductor memory only whencoincidence is attained as a result of comparison of these data.
 11. Aprogram rewrite system for rewriting data of a program into a rewritemedium (70) being a portable information storage medium by a rewritemachine (50), wherein said rewrite medium comprises: a semiconductormemory (72) rewritably storing the data of the program, and a memorycontrol part (75) controlling an operation of said semiconductor memory,and said memory control part transits among a plurality of operationmodes including a mode authorizing writing with respect to saidsemiconductor memory and a mode inhibiting the same.
 12. The programrewrite system in accordance with claim 11 , wherein said rewrite mediumfurther comprises an operation circuit (84) and a comparator (86), saidoperation circuit executes an operation with respect to data sent fromsaid rewrite machine, said comparator performs comparison between dataof an operation result of said operation circuit and another data sentfrom said rewrite machine, said plurality of operation modes are firstto fourth operation modes (M1 to M4), said memory control part firstenters said first operation mode when said rewrite medium is connectedto said rewrite machine, inhibits writing into said semiconductor memoryin said first operation mode, and transits to said second operation modewhen two data compared by said comparator do not coincide with eachother, or transits to said third operation mode when the same coincidewith each other, said memory control part stops its operation whileinhibiting writing into said semiconductor memory in said secondoperation mode, said memory control part authorizes writing into saidsemiconductor memory only in relation to writing from said memorycontrol part in said third operation mode, writes prescribed data intosaid semiconductor memory, further reads data and transits to saidsecond operation mode when these data do not coincide with each other,or transits to said fourth operation mode when the same coincide witheach other, and said memory control part authorizes writing from saidrewrite machine into said semiconductor memory in said fourth operationmode.